

Manpura is a southern coastal island of Bangladesh surrounded by Meghna River just above the mighty Bay of Bengal. The area of this island is 373 km2 with a population of 1,25,000. Currently, the peak demand for electricity there is around 3.5 MW. To meet up the growing electricity demand of this isolated area, a 281.2 kWp capacity of solar mini-grid plant is now in operation after successful commissioning in August 2019. This is the second solar mini-grid in Manpura. The residents are cherishing this solar mini-grid as it offers 24-hour power supply which was beyond their imagination just few years back.
The 281.2 kWp solar mini-grid is located at South Sakuchia union of Manpura. At the moment the plant is supplying grid quality electricity to 554 households; 444 shops; 22 Schools, Madrasas, offices, Mobile BTS, 15 workshops, Ice factory and Easy bike charging station.
Sustainable Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), Power Division is implementing GEF/UNDP assisted SREPGen Project and a Solar Mini-Grid Project owned by Western Renewable Energy Limited has been installed under SREPGen Project. It will be a unique pilot soon with a 225 kW wind turbine integrated with this minigrid to be a first type of hybrid in the country. Island people are not left behind.